LEADERS, Inc. began in 2015 by prominent higher education administrators who are nationally recognized experts in advancing educational achievement of underrepresented students. There are many case studies for why there is a need for this organization. Students that come from under-resourced communities and schools also tend to be low-income. There are several problems associated with persistence and graduation rates for low-income students. Studies demonstrate a correlation between social and cultural resources and academic achievement. Participation rates of under-resourced students in fellowships, internships, and graduate school programs are significantly lower than those of highly resourced students.